Strathfield Town Hall’s Early Charity Balls

Charity Ball, Strathfield Town Hall, 1924. Courtesy State Library of NSW

After its official opening on 9 October, 1923, Strathfield Town Hall quickly became a venue for fundraising balls. One of the earliest was held the following week on 17 October to raise funds for the new St Martha’s Catholic Church in Strathfield. Freeman’s Journal reported on the evening:

‘Upwards of 400 enthusiastic dancers fully appreciated the splendid floor, and until midnight jazzed to the thrilling and well-timed music of Mr A. Hahn’s Orchestra.’[1]

Can you imagine the crush of 400 dancers in the town hall? Spot dances and a jazz cap competition provided added entertainment (it was the roaring twenties after all) while the euchre players were accommodated in the council chambers. Supper was served on the lawn next to the Town Hall.

As well as raising funds for good causes, these social occasions provided opportunities to dress up and impress. The same newspaper article recorded a long list of the fashions on display that evening:

‘Miss M. McManus wore apricot georgette and black lace, while her sister, Miss K. McManus, was in coral taffeta, which was much admired.’

Another dance for the same cause, ‘which was much enjoyed’[2] was held on 14 May 1924.[3]

‘The decorations were carried out in rose and black streamers and balloons, interspersed with butterflies of the same tones. Palms and many vases of chrysanthemums and dahlias adorned the front of the stage, and the brackets around the room were similarly arranged. The energetic committee worked well, and, besides local patrons, there were many visitors from town. The frocking was particularly attractive.’[4]

The McManus sisters were in attendance once more, the newspaper reporting that:

‘Miss McManus was looking dainty in floral blue georgette and satin romaine; her sister harmonised shades of grey and mauve in charming fashion.’[5]

This early photo of Strathfield Town Hall’s interior shows one of the charity balls held during the winter dance ‘season’ of 1924.

Early that year the Mayoress of Strathfield, Mrs Amy Wallis entertained several ladies at her home Merriwa in Homebush Road ‘when arrangements were made to hold a series of dances in aid of various philanthropic funds.’ The Strathfield Charities Fund was formed with the Mayoress as honorary secretary and Mrs Beale as honorary treasurer. Three balls were held on Tuesday nights during May to July 1924 with the newspapers noting that ‘These dances are proving most successful.’

The proceeds were to be pooled and allocated at the end of the season.

Mrs Wallis and Mrs Beale are probably among the fashionable ladies in the photo above.

By the end of the year the committee had raised £452, with the assistance of bridge evenings and tennis afternoons. Funds were divided between charities including Furlough House, Royal Hospital for Women, Paddington, St Luke’s Building Fund, Ryde Home for Incurables, Western Suburbs Hospital, Adult Deaf and Dumb Building Fund, Ashfield Infants’ Home, Strathfield Children’s Home, Dill Macky Children’s Home, Burwood Children’s Home, the Consumptive Soldiers (Waterfall) and the Maimed and Afflicted Soldiers.

Strathfield Town Hall has hosted many such occasions during its 100 years. Visit the Ironbark Gallery at Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub from 1 November to 10 December to view our exhibition and learn more about the Town Hall’s history.

 

By J.J. MacRitchie

Local Studies Advisor

 

References

[1] Freeman’s Journal 25 October 1923 p.29 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116794633

 

[2] Sunday Times 18 May 1924 p.15 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/128140449

 

[3] The Catholic Press 8 May 1924 p.32 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106402536

 

[4] Freeman’s Journal 22 May 1924 p.16 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115298215

 

[5] The Catholic Press 22 May 1924 p.13 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/106404407/11838668